A long, impressive run for a championship came to an end July 15 for the Camp Verde Majors All-Stars softball team [ages 11 to 12] as they were swept in a best of three series by the Sunnyside All-Stars, 2-0.
“Our goal was to teach the girls to be proud, hard-working and productive teammates on and off the field and I believe we accomplished that goal,” Camp Verde Head Coach Henry Smith said.
“Winning isn’t always about the final score; it’s about how you played the game. These young girls played with honor and respect,” he added.
Camp Verde was paired with the Sunnyside All-Stars in the championship series July 14 and lost the first game, 6-3.
The loss meant Camp Verde had to win the next one if it was to force a game three, but the girls in blue were unable to do so, losing 11-3.
Dusty Dowdle took the ball as the starting pitcher for Camp Verde and went six innings, allowing 11 runs on 11 hits while walking four and striking out five.
Offensive standouts included shortstop Nieja Garner who was 2-3 with an RBI and two runs scored while third baseman Taya Smith was 2-3 with a double and two RBIs.
Second baseman Gabrielle Ontiveros chipped in as well, going 2-3 at the plate against Sunnyside.
“I believe this was a season that they will remember forever,” Henry Smith said. “I just want to say thanks to the Camp Verde Little League for giving these kids an opportunity to play the game they love, and I want to thank the parents for their support. Also, I’d like to thank Raul Hatch and Christina Parker for helping us get to where we wanted to be.”
After winning the District 10 title at the beginning of July, Camp Verde continued its long winning streak in the first round of the Arizona Little League All-Stars State Tournament.
Camp Verde faced off against the Cactus Foothills All-Stars out of District 3 and had no problems July 6, winning 10-0.
In round two of the North Sectionals at Anthem Community Park, Camp Verde was given a scare July 8, but came out on top in a 3-2 win over the Blue Ridge All-Stars.
The two wins in pool play put Camp Verde against the Queen Creek All-Stars on July 12, a game which Camp Verde squeaked by in a 10-9 victory. The win advanced Camp Verde to the championship round against Sunnyside.
